Saturday, November 28, 2009

International Rugby: All Blacks in France

28.11.2009New Zealand v Marseilles

Venue: Stade Velodrome

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

Preview France gave New Zealand a surprise during their southern tour this year. In the first test, played in Dunedin, France scored an upset 27-22 win over a New Zealand team well below strength. New Zealand recovered to win the second test 14-10. The All Black team in Europe is a stronger unit than that which played France in June.

If the Ireland, South Africa game is between the two champion teams in terms of silverware (Ireland has the 6 Nations Trophy, South Africa the World Cup and the 2009 Tri Nations Trophy), surely this test match is between the two form teams. Ranking first and third on the GWC Rugby Rankings, this is the final of the World Championship.

France defeated South Africa earlier in November, showing they had a forward pack able to match any in the world. They easily accounted for Samoa last weekend.The team is reaching a peak, they are fresher than the New Zealanders and has only lost one game at this stadium in the last 20 years.

New Zealand has three key players in their side that were missing when France won that test in Dunedin in June. Carter, McCaw and Sivivatu bring a solidity to what is a fairly inexperienced All Black side. Despite this they remain undefeated on this tour and a formidable foe for France to beat.

Last Five Encounters20.06.2009 New Zealand 14-10 in Wellington13.06.2009 France 27-22 in Dunedin06.10.2007 France 20-18 in Cardiff (World Cup, Quarter Final)04.06.2007 New Zealand 61-10 in Wellington02.06.2007 New Zealand 42-11 in Auckland